Abu Dhabi's New Cultural Landmark Unveiled

Zayed National Museum to Open in December 2025

In December, a new milestone in Abu Dhabi's cultural life will be achieved as the Zayed National Museum opens on Saadiyat Island. This impressive establishment serves as a historical tribute, knowledge center, and cultural meeting place in memory of the founder of the United Arab Emirates. Through its unique architectural solutions and rich collection, visitors can take a time-traveling journey through the region's 300,000 years of history.

Falcon Wings in the Sky – The Museum's Architecture

The museum's five monumental steel structures that rise from the roof resemble the wings of a flying falcon. This choice is not accidental: falconry remains an integral part of Emirati culture, and the building pays homage to this tradition. The modern forms and sustainable architectural solutions align with the UAE's future-oriented aspirations while deeply rooted in the values of the past.

What Does It Offer Visitors?

The Zayed National Museum welcomes visitors with six permanent exhibition halls and a gallery reserved for temporary exhibitions. The materials presented guide visitors through the history, society, and culture of the region from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibitions notably highlight the following:

Abu Dhabi Pearl – One of the world's oldest natural pearls, shedding new light on the role of pearl diving in the past of the region.

The Blue Qur'an – One of the most valuable manuscripts of Islamic art.

The Reconstruction of the Magan Ship – Created as a result of research cooperation with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi.

These exhibitions are complemented by experiential displays, educational programs, as well as community and scientific initiatives, aiming to preserve heritage and promote community dialogue.

Historical Treasures and Archaeological Discoveries

The museum's rich collection includes archaeological relics such as the world's oldest falaj irrigation system, and Bronze and Iron Age artifacts uncovered half a century ago by research teams. These artifacts attest to the ingenuity and adaptability of the region's first communities.

Heritage for Future Generations

The museum's central idea is that understanding predecessors is key to building the future. This principle guided the UAE's founder when he established the first museum in Al Ain city in 1971, followed by the Cultural Foundation in 1981. The Zayed National Museum continues this thought – it not only strives to preserve the past but to inspire youth and engage different generations and social strata, including elderly and special needs visitors.

Conclusion

The Zayed National Museum will not just be a venue for exhibitions, but a live, continuously evolving space where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the Emirates' history, values, and identity. A place where past and future meet – a worthy tribute to the founder's legacy and the beginning of a new chapter on Abu Dhabi's cultural map.

(Source of the article: Department of Culture and Tourism statement.)